Protecting Access to Care at Home: Special Needs Law Month Highlights Home and Community-Based Services

VIENNA, Va., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and the Special Needs Alliance (SNA) — the nation's leading organizations dedicated to planning for individuals with disabilities, their families, and public benefits law — are recognizing National Special Needs Law Month this October by highlighting the importance of home and community-based services (HCBS).

For many people with disabilities, HCBS provide essential support that makes it possible to live at home and remain connected to their families, schools, workplaces, and communities rather than receiving care in an institution. These Medicaid-funded programs may include assistance with personal care, transportation, employment supports, respite for family caregivers, home modifications, and other services that help people build and maintain daily living skills.

To help individuals with disabilities and their families better understand these services, NAELA and SNA have jointly prepared a new consumer resource explaining what HCBS are, how they support people from childhood to old age, and why access to these services matters.

"HCBS can make a tremendous difference in a person's ability to live independently and participate fully in community life," said Marielle F. Hazen, President of NAELA. "But these programs are not always available to everyone who needs them. Because many HCBS programs are optional and administered by states, access can depend on state funding, eligibility requirements, enrollment limits, waiting lists, provider availability, and other restrictions."

The future of HCBS is of particular concern following recent federal Medicaid changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including significant reductions in federal funding. These changes could put additional pressure on state Medicaid budgets and affect decisions about optional Medicaid services, including HCBS.

"People need to understand the role and the importance of HCBS before they are faced with a crisis and have to figure out what services are available," said Robert F. Brogan, President of the Special Needs Alliance. "For many people with disabilities, HCBS are what make it possible to remain at home, pursue education or employment, and stay connected to the people and communities that are important to them. Understanding these services is an important first step in protecting access to them."

NAELA and SNA encourage individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates, and attorneys to learn more about HCBS and the role these services can play in supporting people to live meaningful and productive lives in their communities.

Learn More

• HCBS 101: Why Home and Community-Based Services Matter to People With Disabilities and Their Families
  
  
• About National Special Needs Law Month

About NAELA
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is the leading professional association dedicated to improving the quality of legal services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. With more than 4,000 members and 31 active state chapters, NAELA provides elder and special needs law attorneys with education, advocacy, community, and the resources they need to better serve their clients. Learn more at NAELA.org.

About SNA
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is the leading national organization of attorneys dedicated to disability and public benefits law. SNA members focus their practices on special needs planning and advocacy, working directly with individuals with disabilities, their families, and advisors to ensure financial security, access to benefits, and the advocacy and support needed to navigate complex systems effectively. For more information, visit specialneedsalliance.org.

SOURCE National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)